Belgium’s Enabel Launches Biometric Infrastructure Tender for DRC Project

Belgium’s development agency Enabel has launched a tender for upgrading biometric and IT infrastructure at a partner institution in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The 18-month project, scheduled to begin February 17, 2025, encompasses computing systems and biometric equipment modernization. Interested parties must submit proposals by January 28, 2025, at 10:00 AM UTC+1.

The initiative builds upon recent digital identity developments in Africa, where countries are increasingly adopting biometric systems for public service delivery. The DRC project follows similar successful implementations by Germany’s GIZ in Benin, which demonstrated the effectiveness of modernized digital identity infrastructure in improving government services.

The initiative is divided into three distinct components. The first focuses on server room establishment, the second covers desktop computer procurement, and the third addresses biometric equipment renewal. All implementation work will take place within the DRC, without specific regional restrictions. The comprehensive approach matches successful digital transformation projects in other African nations, where integrated infrastructure has proven crucial for sustainable identity management systems.

Tender participants will undergo evaluation based on technical capabilities, professional qualifications, and financial stability. The selection process will assess both cost considerations and solution quality metrics as outlined in the tender documentation. While electronic invoicing is mandatory, physical submission of proposals is required, as the Belgian federal e-Procurement platform is not accessible in all regions. Submissions must be in either French or Dutch.

The procurement follows EU Directive 2014/24/EU guidelines for public contracts, which standardize procurement practices across European development initiatives. While not funded through EU mechanisms, the project operates under the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA), ensuring transparency and fair competition in the bidding process. The Belgian Council of State will oversee the review and mediation processes, with complete tender specifications accessible via Belgium’s public procurement platform.

The infrastructure upgrades support common applications in public sector modernization, including identity management systems, civil registration processes, and public service delivery mechanisms. Recent implementations across Africa have shown that robust biometric systems can significantly improve service delivery and reduce fraud. While specific implementation details for this project remain undisclosed, similar initiatives have typically included fingerprint recognition, facial biometrics, and secure document management capabilities to support government service delivery.

Sources: TED

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December 24, 2024 – by the ID Tech Editorial Team